Cleveland Indians campaign for late Bob Feller to get Medal of Freedom

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Bob Feller (Fox 8 file photo)

Cleveland Indians campaign for late Bob Feller to get Medal of Freedom

Bob Feller (Fox 8 file photo)

CLEVELAND– The Cleveland Indians are pushing for the late Bob Feller to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

On Wednesday, the Tribe launched the petition on WhiteHouse.gov, which needs 100,000 signatures within 30 days to get a response.

“In addition to the incredible and lasting impact Bob made on the Indians organization, we think his meritorious contribution to the security and national interests of the United States makes him worthy of consideration for the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Indians Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Bob DiBiasio said in a news release on Wednesday.

Feller spent his entire 18-year career with the Indians, where he won a club record with 266 games. He also holds Cleveland’s all-time records for starts, innings, strikeouts and complete games, and helped the Tribe to a World Series title in 1948.

The pitcher enlisted in the U.S. Navy after the bombings on Pearl Harbor. Feller served on the USS Alabama, and was decorated with six campaign ribbons and eight battle stars.

Several other baseball players have been given the medal, including Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson and Joe DiMaggio. President Barack Obama awarded the Medal of Freedom to Yogi Berra and Willie Mays last year.

Click here if you’d like to sign the petition to award Bob Feller the Presidential Medal of Freedom.